What is the most effective analytical method for quantification and identification of microplastics in contaminated soils?

The increasing concern over microplastics (MPs) contamination in agricultural soils due to excessive plastic use is a worldwide concern. The objective of this study was to determine which analytical technique is most effective for the analysis of MPs in agricultural soils. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), multispectral analysis, and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze sections of clay soil containing varying percentages of virgin white MPs from 0 to 100%. X-ray analysis only detected MPs at high concentrations (20%). However, NIR at 2.300 nm and multispectral analysis at 395 nm demonstrated greater accuracy and sensitivity in distinguishing between all MPs levels. SEM revealed that MPs have an amorphous structure that is distinct from crystalline soil, potentially influencing their interactions with other soil constituents. These findings highlight the value of NIR and multispectral analysis in accurately identifying and measuring MPs in soil. Efficient management plans rely on increased awareness of MPs' environmental impact.

Two new species of Grotea Cresson (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Labeninae) from Brazil.

Two new species of Grotea Cresson are described from Brazil, Grotea claudiae Kumagai sp. n. and G. fernandoi Lima sp. n. New records and identification key for Brazilian species of Grotea are provided. Grotea amazonensis Herrera-Flrez, 2019 is proposed as nomen nudum.

Harnessing Small-Molecule Analyte Detection in Complex Media: Combining Molecularly Imprinted Polymers, Electrolytic Transistors, and Machine Learning.

Small-molecule analyte detection is key for improving quality of life, particularly in health monitoring through the early detection of diseases. However, detecting specific markers in complex multicomponent media using devices compatible with point-of-care (PoC) technologies is still a major challenge. Here, we introduce a novel approach that combines molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), electrolyte-gated transistors (EGTs) based on 2D materials, and machine learning (ML) to detect hippuric acid (HA) in artificial urine, being a critical marker for toluene intoxication, parasitic infections, and kidney and bowel inflammation. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was used as the sensory material and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as supramolecular receptors. Employing supervised ML techniques based on symbolic regression and compressive sensing enabled us to comprehensively analyze the EGT transfer curves, eliminating the need for arbitrary signal selection and allowing a multivariate analysis during HA detection. The resulting device displayed simultaneously low operating voltages (<0.5 V), rapid response times (≤10 s), operation across a wide range of HA concentrations (from 0.05 to 200 nmol L-1), and a low limit of detection (LoD) of 39 pmol L-1. Thanks to the ML multivariate analysis, we achieved a 2.5-fold increase in the device sensitivity (1.007 µA/nmol L-1) with respect to the human data analysis (0.388 µA/nmol L-1). Our method represents a major advance in PoC technologies, by enabling the accurate determination of small-molecule markers in complex media via the combination of ML analysis, supramolecular analyte recognition, and electrolytic transistors.

Can herbicides of different mode of action cause injury symptoms in non-herbicide-tolerant young soybean due to simulated drift?

Accidental herbicide drift onto neighboring crops, such as soybeans, can seriously harm non-target plants, affecting their growth and productivity. This study examined the impact of simulated drift from ten different herbicides (2,4-D, dicamba, glyphosate, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, hexazinone, diuron, diquat, nicosulfuron, and isoxaflutole) on young soybean plants. These herbicides were applied at three simulated drift levels (1/4, 1/16, and 1/32) equivalent to recommended commercial doses, and the resulting symptoms were carefully evaluated. Simulated drift caused distinctive symptoms, including chlorosis, twisting, necrosis, and growth abnormalities, varying depending on each herbicide's mode of action. Dicamba proved more toxic than 2,4-D, and symptom severity increased with drift proportion, with all herbicides causing over 30% injury at the 1/16 proportion. Notably, 2,4-D, dicamba, glyphosate, hexazinone, and diquat exceeded the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value, significantly reducing total biomass. Dicamba consistently caused 50% injury at all proportions, while hexazinone, at the highest dose proportion, led to plant mortality. Dicamba also had biomass accumulation beyond the growth reduction (GR50), whereas hexazinone exhibited less than 10% accumulation due to its capacity to induce plant mortality. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding herbicide drift effects on non-target crops for more effective and safe weed management strategies.

Association between Polyphenol Intake and Lipid Profile of Adults and Elders in a Northeastern Brazilian Capital.

This research was aimed at evaluating the relationship between the estimated polyphenol intake and the atherogenic lipid profile in adult and elder residents in the city of Teresina, located in the Northeastern Region of Brazil. This study was a cross-sectional population-based survey with 501 adults and elders, conducted in Teresina, Brazil. Food intake was obtained by 24-h food recall. The estimated polyphenol intake was calculated by multiplying the food consumption data from the recall by the polyphenol content in the foods described in the Phenol-Explorer database. The mean intake of total polyphenols was 1006.53 mg/day. The phenolic acids was the class with the highest intake, followed by the flavonols. Coffee, beans and apples were the main foods contributing to the total polyphenol intake. In the individuals with elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides, the intake of total polyphenols was significantly higher. The intake of total polyphenols, phenolic acids and lignans was higher in the subjects with dyslipidemia. This article provides, for the first time, data on the intake of the total polyphenol classes and subclasses in the evaluated population and the relationship with the lipid profile. The individuals with a higher intake of total polyphenols had a worse lipid profile, which may be a consequence of an improved diet in those individuals who present with dyslipidemia.

Effects of consumption of mauritia flexuosa fruits on renal and hepatic functions in growing rats

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have reported that buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) is a typical fruit from the Brazilian cerrado ecosystem and an important food source for low-income populations. Its composition is rich in carotenoid polyphenols, monounsaturated fatty acids, and ascorbic acid. However, studies on the biological effects resulting from the consumption of this fruit are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a diet supplemented with buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) on kidney and liver functions in growing rats. METHODS: Determination of centesimal composition, carotenoids, and fatty acids content for buriti pulp, standard chow, and butiti-supplemented chow were performed. Then, Wistar rats of both sexes were fed a standard diet or supplemented with buriti pulp. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment to determine biochemical parameters. The unpaired t-test was applied, and differences were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: A diet enriched with buriti pulp did not interfere with kidney function and most markers of liver function in animals. Alkaline phosphatase showed significantly higher plasma concentration in female rats, and albumin and uric acid showed lower concentrations in male rats in both experimental groups. CONCLUSION: The changes observed in biochemical markers did not provide evidence of adverse effects of buriti pulp supplementation on liver function. Thus, the intake of buriti pulp can be encouraged as it is a low-cost food source for the general population.

Production of dinizia excelsaducke (fabaceae) seedlings subjected to increasing doses of controlled release fertilizer / Produção de mudas de dinizia excelsaducke (fabaceae) submetidas a doses crescentes de fertilizante de liberação controlada

Dinizia excelsais one of the largest trees in the Amazon rainforest, with significant economic potential for the recovery of degraded areas. It is a key species for biodiversity and increased forestbiomass. However, studies related to seedling production of this species are still scarce. In this study, we evaluated the production and quality of D. excelsaseedlings in response to the application of controlled-release fertilizer doses. The experimental design was completely randomized, applying different doses of Osmocote®(T1=0; T2=4.1; T3=8.2; and T4=12.3 g.dm-³) with four replicates, using vermiculite and coconut fiber (1:1 v/v) as the substrate. We assessed the number of leaves and leaflets, shoot and root length, stem diameter, seedling height, shoot-to-stem diameter ratio, leaf area, dry mass of shoot, root, and total biomass. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression analysis. The seedlings responded positively to the use of Osmocote®, and starting from the 4.1 g.dm-³dose, biomass accumulation showed better results, making it a recommended practice that allows cost savings in seedling production of this species.(AU)

Dinizia excelsaé uma das maiores árvores da floresta amazônica, com grande potencial econômico para recuperação de áreas degradadas. Trata-se de uma espécie-chave para diversidade e aumento da biomassa florestal. Ainda são escassos os estudos relacionados à produção seminal de mudas da espécie. Nós avaliamos a produção e a qualidade de mudas de D. excelsaem resposta à aplicação de doses de adubo de liberação controlada. O delineamento adotado foi inteiramente casualizado, aplicando-se diferentes doses de Osmocote®(T1=0; T2=4.1; T3= 8.2 e T4=12.3 g.dm-³) com quatro repetições, utilizando-se como substrato vermiculita e fibra de coco (1:1 v/v). Foram avaliados número de folhas e folíolos, comprimento da parte aérea e raiz, diâmetro do coleto, altura das mudas, relação comprimento da parte aérea e diâmetro do coleto, área foliar, massa seca da parte aérea, raiz e total. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e regressão. As mudas responderam positivamente ao uso do adubo Osmocote®e a partir da dose 4.1 g.dm-³o acúmulo de biomassa apresentou melhores resultados, podendo ser recomendada, permitindo uma economia nos custos de produção seminal de mudas da espécie.(AU)

Vitamin C and Phenolic Antioxidants of Jua (Ziziphus joazeiro M.) Pulp: A Rich Underexplored Brazilian Source of Ellagic Acid Recovered by Aqueous Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction.

Jua (juá in Portuguese) is an underexplored fruit from Brazil's northeast. This fruit is rich in antioxidant substances. However, there is a dearth of information about jua's bioactive potential. The present study evaluated two extraction methods (continuous agitation and ultrasound-assisted extraction-UAE) and employed three different solvents (water, ethanol, and acetone) to efficiently recover soluble phenolic compounds. Aqueous extracts obtained by UAE showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity. Besides being an eco-friendly procedure, extraction and/or solubility in an aqueous medium is also important for food application. Ellagic acids were the predominant phenolics (80%) found in aqueous jua pulp extract obtained by UAE, as determined by HPLC, while its TPC was 405.8 gallic acid equivalent per gram of fruit. This extract also exhibited a higher scavenging activity towards peroxyl radicals when compared to that of several other fruits from the literature, including grape, strawberry, cranberry, and walnuts, which are known references in terms of antioxidants. This is the first report that demonstrates jua pulp's potential as an alternative source of ellagic acid and other phenolic acids and flavonoids. Therefore, the outcome of this study provides new information that can be useful for functional food and nutraceutical industries.

Cow bonechar decreases indaziflam pre-emergence herbicidal activity in tropical soil.

The addition of carbonaceous material such as cow bonechar to the soil can affect the availability of applied pre-emergent herbicides such as indaziflam. However, how cow bonechar affects the bioavailability of indaziflam is not yet known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cow bonechar on herbicidal activity of indaziflam on weeds in a tropical soil. Cow bonechar was added homogeneously to top soil, at 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 t ha-1, in addition to treatment with unamended soil. At 21 days after indaziflam (75 g ha-1) application, injury weed levels, weed species that emerged spontaneously were identified and the weeds present in each sampling unit were collected. Only 1.4 t ha-1 cow bonechar added to soil was enough to reduce the weed injury level by 50%. From the addition of 2 t ha-1 cow bonechar the application of indaziflam was not efficient to weed control, being equivalent to treatments without herbicide application. Eight weed species (3 monocots and 5 dicots) were identified in all treatments. Eleusine indica and Digitaria horizontalis accounted for about 99.7% of the entire infestation of the weed community. Cow bonechar decreases indaziflam pre-emergence herbicidal activity in tropical soil for weed control, most likely due to the high sorption and unavailability of the product in the soil solution.

Toxicological, chemopreventive, and cytotoxic potentialities of rare vegetal species and supporting findings for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

Caatinga flora which are found in a poor Brazilian region contain a substantial number of endemic taxa with biomedical and social importance for regional communities. This study examined the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of 35 samples (extracts/fractions) from 12 Caatinga species and determined the antiproliferative and genotoxic action of dichloromethane fraction from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia stem bark (DC-Mca) on human and vegetal cells. Samples were assessed for chemopreventive ability, toxic effects on Artemia salina shrimp as well as cytotoxicity on tumor cell lines and erythrocytes. DC-Mca was also tested with respect to antiproliferative and genotoxic effects upon normal leukocytes and meristematic cells from A. cepa roots. Some extracts reduced free radical levels >95% and 7 samples exhibited a lethal concentration (LC) 50 < 100 µg/ml upon Artemia salina larvae. Eight samples displayed in vitro antitumor effects and three produced hemolysis. Data also demonstrated the pharmacological significance of bioactive extracts from Brazilian semi-arid region. There was no significant relationship between antioxidant, toxic, and antiproliferative activities, and that these properties were dependent upon the extractant. DC-Mca contained betulinic acid as main compound (approximately 70%), which showed higher (1) cytotoxic activity on cancer cell lines and dividing leukocytes, (2) reduced mitotic index of Allium cepa roots, and (3) induced cell cycle arrest and chromosomal bridges, thereby providing native promising sources for phytotherapy development. ABBREVIATIONS: ABTS: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid); AcOH: ethyl acetate; ANOVA: analysis of variance; SUS: Brazilian Unified Health System; DC-Mca: dichloromethane fraction from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia stem bark; DMSO: dimethylsulfoxide; DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; EC50: effective concentration 50%; EtOAc: ethyl acetate; FDA: Food and Drug Administration; GC-Qms: gas chromatograph quadrupole mass spectrometer; GI: genotoxic index; HCT-116: colon carcinoma line; HL-60: promyelocytic leukemia line; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; HRAPCIMS: high resolution atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrum; IC50: inhibitory concentration 50%; LC50: lethal concentration 50%; MeOH = methyl alcohol; MI: mitotic index; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide; MutI: mutagenic index; OVCAR-8 = ovarian carcinoma line; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cells; RPMI-1640: Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium; SF-295: glioblastoma line; TEAC: trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity; TLC: thin-layer chromatography; Trolox: 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid.

Nutritional composition and acceptance of cake elaborated with beauregard potato biofortified with carotenoids / Composição nutricional e aceitação de bolo elaborado com batata beauregard biofortificada com carotenoides

Beauregard biofortified sweet potato is a tuberous root with a high content of carotenoids whose consumption can bring beneficial effects on human health related to the biological actions of these substances. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the acceptance of cake made with sweet potato biofortified with carotenoids by school children enrolled in a school of the municipal education network of the city of Teresina PI. The sweet cake containing biofortified potato (Beauregard) (PC) was compared with standard sweet wheat flour (WC) cake formulation. The PC and WC products and the Beauregard potato were analyzed for centesimal composition (moisture, ashes, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates) and total carotenoid content. Acceptance of PC was assessed by means of an acceptance test with a hedonic scale of five points applied to 100 children from 08 to 10 years of age. The evaluation of the centesimal composition showed protein content corresponding to 2.1% in WC and 3.57% in PC, and of lipids of 5.16% in WC and 8.95% inPC. Regarding the moisture content, WC presented 32.5% and PC 38.44%. The content of fixed minerals (ash) found in formulations was 1.9% and 1.26%, respectively, in WC and PC. The carotenoid content (µg of ß-carotene.g-1) was significantly higher (p <0.05) in the biofortified potato (3,200.01 ± 0.02) and in the PC formulations (3,666.17 ± 2.55) and WC (3,066.53 ± 1.88) for common sweet potatoes (2.200,23 ± 1.63). In the five-point facial hedonistic acceptance test, the formulation containing biofortified potato (PC) obtained a significantly higher score (p <0.05) (4.24 ± 0.93) when compared to the WC formulation (3.75 ± 1.19). The biofortified potato and the cake containing the biofortified potato presented some characteristics related to the centesimal composition similar to those found in WC and the content of carotenoids in PC larger than those of WC. Because sweet cake is a food product, generally well accepted by children and adults, PC's greateracceptance of WC suggests its promising potential for consumption by the population.

A batata-doce Beauregard biofortificada é uma raiz tuberosa com alto teor de carotenoides, cujo consumo pode trazer efeitos benéficos na saúde humana relacionados com as ações biológicas dessassubstâncias. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a aceitação de bolo elaborado com batata doce biofortificada com carotenoides por crianças em idade escolar matriculados em uma escola da rede municipal de ensino da cidade de Teresina PI. O bolo doce contendo batata biofortificada (Beauregard) (BB) foi comparado com formulação padrão de bolo doce de farinha de trigo (BT). Os produtos BB e BT e a batata Beauregard foram analisados quanto à composição centesimal (umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídeos e carboidratos) e conteúdo de carotenóides totais. A aceitação do BB foi avaliada por meio de teste de aceitação com escala hedônica facial de cinco pontos aplicado em 100 crianças de 08 a 10 anos de idade. A avaliação da composição centesimal mostrou conteúdo protéico correspondendo 2,1% no BT e 3,57% no BB, e de lipídiosde 5,16% no BT e 8,95% no BB. Em relação ao teor de umidade, o BT apresentou 32,5% e BB 38,44%. O teor de minerais fixos (cinzas) encontrado nas formulações foi de 1,9% e 1,26%, respectivamente, no BT e BB. O conteúdo de carotenoides (µ g de ß-caroteno.g-1) foi significativamente maior (p<0,05) na batata biofortificada (3.200,01 ± 0,02) e nas formulações BB (3.666,17 ± 2,55) e BT (3.066,53 ± 1,88) em relação à Figure 1. Acceptance rate of Beauregard potato and wheat cake formulations.. batata doce comum (2.200,00 ± 1,63). No teste de aceitação escala hedonica facial de cinco pontos a formulação contendo batata biofortificada (BB) obteve nota significativamente maior (p<0,05) (4,24± 0,93) quando comparada com a formulação BT (3,75± 1,19). A batata biofortificada e o bolo contendo a batata biofortificada apresentaram algumas características relacionadas à composição centesimal semelhantes àquelas encontradas no BT e conteúdo de carotenoides no BB maiores que os do BT. Por ser o bolo doce um produto alimentício, de modo geral, bem aceito por crianças e adultos, a maior aceitação do BB em relação ao BT sugere seu potencial promissor para consumo pela população.

Revision of Hellwigiella Szépligeti, 1905 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Ophioninae), with revalidation of H. nigripennis Szépligeti, 1905.

The taxonomic history of Hellwigiella Szépligeti is presented with comments. Ophion similis (Szépligeti, 1905) is diagnosed and illustrated, with the first record for Morocco. Hellwigiella is redescribed and illustrated, with comments on its differentiation from O. similis. A key to the two valid species, H. dichromoptera and H. nigripennis stat. rev., is provided.

The New World species of Leucospis Fabricius, 1775 (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Leucospidae): an update of Boucek's revision with description of two new species from Brazil.

The revision of Leucospis Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Leucospidae) by Boucek (1974a) is updated for the New World species based on material deposited in Brazilian collections. We provide a key to the New World species including all species described after Boucek, describe two new Brazilian species, Leucospis copepucu sp. nov. and L. muru sp. nov. describe the male of Leucospis opalescens Weld, 1922, and provide diagnoses and illustrations for ten other Brazilian species and one Argentinian species and comments on new geographic records for Brazilian species, with maps.

Lathrolestes Förster, 1869 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Brazil, with description of two new species and a key to the Neotropical species.

The taxonomic knowledge about Brazilian Ichneumonidae species is still incipient, especially for groups poorly represented in the Neotropics, like Ctenopelmatinae. The genus Lathrolestes Förster, 1869, mainly Holarctic, is here recorded for the first time to Brazil, with description of L. piranga Lima & Kumagai sp. n. and L. pitunauassu Lima & Kumagai sp. n. Additionally, a key to the Neotropical species is provided.

The uncommon Neotropical genus Pazius Navás, 1913 (Mecoptera: Bittacidae): a comprehensive synthesis, with description of a new Brazilian species.

After a gap of more than twenty years, only recently the uncommon Neotropical genus Pazius Navás, 1913 has been focus of scientific researches, with the description of two new species from Colombia. Here all the knowledge about the genus is synthetized, with an identification key to all species, including comprehensive illustrations of male's terminalia and the description of Pazius angaibara sp. nov. from Northern Brazil. Also, a geographic records map of the genus is included.

Identification of Phenolic Compounds and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Euphorbia Tirucalli L.

Bioactive compounds extracted from natural sources can benefit human health. The aim of this work was to determine total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in extracts of Euphorbia tirucalli L. followed by identification and quantification of the phenolic compounds, as well as their antibacterial activities. Antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH and ABTS(•+) assay. Identification of phenolic compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and antimicrobial activities were verified by agar dilution methods and MIC values. Total phenolic content ranged from 7.73 to 30.54 mg/100 g gallic acid equivalent. Extracts from dry plants showed higher antioxidant activities than those from fresh ones. The DPPH EC50 values were approximately 12.15 µg/mL and 16.59 µg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activity measured by the ABTS method yielded values higher than 718.99 µM trolox/g for dry plants, while by the Rancimat(®) system yielded protection factors exceeding 1 for all extracts, comparable to synthetic BHT. Ferulic acid was the principal phenolic compound identified and quantified through HPLC-UV in all extracts. The extracts proved effective inhibitory potential for Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. These results showed that extracts of Euphorbia tirucalli L. have excellent antioxidant capacity and moderate antimicrobial activity. These can be attributed to the high concentration of ferulic acid.

Evaluation of antioxidant and mutagenic activities of honey-sweetened cashew apple nectar.

In vitro chemical properties and antioxidant potential and in vivo mutagenic activity of honey-sweetened cashew apple nectar (HSCAN), a beverage produced from the cashew pseudo-fruit (Anacardium occidentale L.) and of its constituents were assessed. Analytical procedures were carried out to investigate the honey used in the HSCAN preparation, and the results observed are in accordance with Brazilian legal regulations, except for diastase number. HSCAN and pulp were investigated for ascorbic acid, carotenoid, anthocyanin and total phenolic contents, and both showed high acid ascorbic concentrations. Antioxidant capacity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and/or ß-carotene/linoleic acid systems were applied and demonstrated a weak antioxidant capacity of honey and HSCAN, but cashew apple pulp demonstrated high antioxidant capacity. A weakly positive mutagenic effect of cashew pulp 20% was observed using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in Drosophila melanogaster only in the high-bioactivation (HB) cross. On the contrary, HSCAN was not mutagenic in both standard and high bioactivation crosses. HSCAN exhibited slight antioxidant activity, which could be associated with the high amount of ascorbic acid found in the samples evaluated. The beverage prepared did not induce DNA damage in somatic cells of D. melanogaster, which means that it is neither mutagenic nor recombinagenic in this test system.

Review of the Neotropical species of Stauropoctonus Brauns, 1889 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae).

The taxonomy of Neotropical species of Stauropoctonus is reviewed, with redescriptions of S. bicarinatus and S. excarinatus, the description of four new Brazilian species, S. amazonensis sp. n., S. leotacilioi sp. n., S. michelle sp. n., and S. rectus sp. n., and for the first time with a detailed study of the male genitalia of the genus. Additionally, we provide a key to the world Stauropoctonus species.

Caracterização nutricional e compostos antioxidantes em resíduos de polpas de frutas tropicais / Nutritional characterization and antioxidant compounds in pulp residues of tropical fruits

O Brasil é um dos países que mais produz resíduos agroindustriais, como os resíduos de frutas pelas indústrias de polpas, o que tem contribuído para o aumento da produção do lixo orgânico, provocando graves problemas ambientais. Nesse contexto, estudos têm sido conduzidos com o intuito de investigar o valor nutricional desses resíduos, valorizando-os e sugerindo novas alternativas de utilização. Assim, neste trabalho, objetivou-se realizar a caracterização nutricional e determinar os compostos antioxidantes dos resíduos de polpas de frutas tropicais: acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), goiaba (Psidium Guayaba L.), abacaxi (Ananas comosus L.), cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), bacuri (Platonia insignis) e graviola (Annona muricata L.). Os resultados encontrados mostraram que os resíduos analisados apresentaram quantidades significativas de macronutrientes (carboidratos, proteínas e lipídios). Todos os resíduos avaliados, com exceção do cupuaçu, apresentaram valores elevados de vitamina C. Quanto aos carotenóides, destacou-se o resíduo de acerola com 881,56 ± 9,01 µg/100 g e o resíduo de goiaba, com 644,9 ± 10,02 µg/100 g. Os resíduos analisados apresentaram baixas concentrações de antocianinas e flavonóides. Com relação aos teores de fenólicos totais se destacou o resíduo da polpa de acerola com 247,62 ± 2,08 mg/100 g. Portanto, pode-se concluir que os resíduos de polpas de frutas empregados neste estudo são fontes potenciais de macronutrientes e compostos bioativos, destacando-se os resíduos de acerola e goiaba como mais ricos em compostos antioxidantes.

Brazil is one of the largest agro-industrial residues producers, such as waste fruit pulp industries, which has contributed to the increased production of organic waste, causing serious environmental problems. In this context, studies have been conducted in order to investigate the nutritional value of these wastes, valuing them and suggesting new alternatives for use. The objective of this study was to characterize and determine nutritional antioxidant compounds of the waste pulp of the following tropical fruits: acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), guava (Psidium Guayaba L.), pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), bacuri (Platonia insignis) and soursop (Annona muricata L.). The results showed that the waste analyzed showed significant amounts of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids). All waste assessed, except cupuaçu, showed elevated levels of vitamin C. As for carotenoids, highlighted the residue of acerola with 881.56 ± 9.01 µg/100 g and residue of guava, with 644.9 ± 10.02 µg/100 g. The waste also showed low concentrations of anthocyanins and flavonoids. Regarding of total phenolic levels, the residue of the pulp acerola with 247.62 ± 2.08 mg/100 g of total phenolics was high. Therefore, it may be concluded that the waste of fruit pulp used in this study are potential sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially the waste from acerola and guava as richer in antioxidant compounds.

Efeito do extrato aquoso de alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis L. ) sobre o estresse oxidativo em ratos diabéticos / Effect of aqueous rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis L. ) on the oxidative stress of diabetic rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do extrato aquoso de alecrim sobre o estresse oxidativo em ratos diabéticos. MÉTODOS: O extrato aquoso de alecrim foi obtido por método sequencial. Os fenólicos totais foram determinados pelo método de Folin Ciocateau e a atividade antioxidante in vitro foi determinada através de três métodos: β-caroteno/ácido linoleico, varredura do radical 2,2 Difenil-1-Picril-hidrazil e oxigen radical absorbance capacity. Ratos Wistar machos foram distribuídos em 5 grupos: controle, diabético, e três grupos de animais diabéticos tratados com extrato aquoso de alecrim em concentrações diferentes: 25, 50 ou 100mg/kg por via oral durante 30 dias. O diabetes foi induzido por estreptozotocina e, no final do experimento, foi coletado sangue para avaliar o percentual de hemoglobina glicada e os tecidos hepático e cerebral para determinação das enzimas antioxidantes: superóxido dismutase, catalase, glutationa peroxidase e glutationa redutase. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se que o extrato aquoso de alecrim apresentou altos teores de compostos fenólicos totais e expressiva atividade antioxidante in vitro nos três métodos de avaliação. O extrato aquoso de alecrim na concentração de 50mg/kg diminuiu o percentual de hemoglobina glicada e aumentou a atividade das enzimas catalase e glutationa peroxidase no fígado, e da superóxido dismutase no cérebro de ratos diabéticos. No entanto, não foi observado efeito dose-resposta nas demais concentrações analisadas. CONCLUSÃO: O extrato aquoso de alecrim apresenta significativa capacidade antioxidante in vitro, atribuída à presença de compostos fenólicos em sua composição. E, quando administrado em ratos na concentração de 50mg/kg, demonstrou-se eficiente na atenuação do estresse oxidativo presente no diabetes experimental.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effect of aqueous rosemary extract on the oxidative stress of diabetic rats. METHODS: Aqueous rosemary extract was obtained by the sequential method. Total phenolic content was determined by the Folin Ciocateau method and antioxidant activity in vitro was determined by the following methods: β-carotene/linoleic acid, 2,2 Difenil-1-Picril-hidrazil and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Male Wistar rats were distributed into 5 groups: control, diabetic, and three groups of diabetic animals treated with aqueous rosemary extract in different concentrations: 25, 50 or 100mg/kg orally for 30 days. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin and, at the end of the experiment, blood was collected to assess the percentage of glycated hemoglobin; liver and brain tissues were collected for the determination of the antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutatione peroxidase and glutatione reductase. RESULTS: Aqueous rosemary extract contains high levels of phenolic compounds and significant total antioxidant activity in vitro according to the three methods. Aqueous rosemary extract at a concentration of 50mg/kg decreased the percentage of glycated hemoglobin and increased the activity of glutatiose peroxidase and catalase enzymes in the liver and superoxide dismutase in the brain of diabetic rats. However, no dose-response effect was observed in the other concentrations. CONCLUSION: Aqueous rosemary extract presented significant antioxidant capacity in vitro attributed to its high phenolic compound content. When administered to rats at a concentration of 50mg/kg, it proved to be efficient against the oxidative stress secondary to experimental diabetes.